Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Individuals who want to work on the design, testing and application of robots that are capable of making complex choices and movements might consider robotics and artificial intelligence studies. Continue reading for details about education and career options in this field.

Inside Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence and robotics are two closely related areas of study that fall under the field of computer science. Artificial intelligence and robotics specialists design computers and machines that act similar to humans with as little human involvement as possible. If you are looking for a degree to get into the robotics manufacturing industry, or if you want to design and program intelligent machines, a variety of degree possibilities exist.

Education Information

The education needed for this field depends on the specific job and can range from an associate to a doctorate degree. Associate degree programs focus on a wide range of automated computer systems and generally prepare a student for work in manufacturing and electro-mechanical engineering technician positions.

More advanced jobs, such as designing robots and creating intelligent computers, often require a master's degree or a doctorate. In addition to computer engineering, an artificial intelligence and robotics curriculum often includes psychology classes to help students better understand human reasoning that can be implemented into computer technology. Listed below are options for multiple levels of education regarding robotics.

Distance Learning Options

You can take online courses to supplement your learning, or you can enroll in a full-time degree program related to robotics and artificial intelligence. Explore some of these options listed below to see if online learning might work for you.

Required Skills

Students considering a career in robotics should have the ability to do math and be able to work with practical problems. Workers should also be capable of working alone or in a group since the size and scope of each project can vary.

Career Options

Careers in robotics can range from manufacturing positions to computer science teaching positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), robotics technicians, also known as electro-mechanical technicians, usually just need an associate degree in robotic systems, although some jobs might not require formal training (www.bls.gov). A master's degree program can lead to robotic programming and designing jobs. A doctorate in robotics allows a person to work in specialized areas, such as designing space exploration technology. Check out the links below to see some of the possibilities you can choose from with a degree in robotics.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

The BLS states that employment of computer scientists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022. The BLS reported that computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $106,290 in May 2013. Robotics technician positions are expected to grow at a much slower rate over the same time period. The threat of outsourcing is one of the main reasons these positions may not grow as fast as the average of all other occupations. Electro-mechanical technicians made an annual median income of $51,330 in 2013, according to BLS data.